What Are GoPro Hero 13 FPS (Frame Rate Settings)?

If you know how to work with your GoPro Hero 13 FPS settings, you can achieve the exact results you’re looking for.

While one FPS may be perfect for one situation, it might be completely unsuitable for another.

In this article, you’ll learn what FPS is, the resolutions associated with it, and the ideal scenarios for each setting.

Start by watching this short video:

Frame Rate Settings (FPS) Explained

Frame rate, or FPS, is basically how fast individual images (frames) are shown in a video. It stands for “frames per second.” For example, if you shoot a video at 24 FPS, it means 24 still images are captured and played back every second.

30 fps vs 60 fps

Frame rate is super important because it affects how your video looks. Different FPS settings create different vibes. For example, 24 FPS gives that cinematic feel you see in movies because it closely matches how we naturally see the world.

The GoPro Hero 13 offers some impressive frame rate options for capturing both standard and slow-motion footage. The highest frame rate available is 400 FPS, but this is only at a lower resolution of 720p. We’ll discuss it in the following section.

5.3K – Up to 120 FPS

At 5.3K resolution, the GoPro Hero 13 can shoot up to 120 FPS. This is ideal for those moments where you want to capture incredible detail while still having the option to slow things down a bit. For example, when you’re filming epic landscapes or large-scale events like parades or concerts, you can stick to lower frame rates like 24 or 30 FPS for a more cinematic look. But if you want to capture action shots like skiing down a mountain, shooting at 60 FPS or even 120 FPS gives you that smooth, detailed slow motion without losing resolution.

Use case examples:

• 120 FPS for mountain biking, skiing, or scenic action shots where both clarity and motion matter.
• 24/30 FPS for more cinematic, slower-moving subjects like sunsets or travel vlogs to capture the ambiance.

4K – Up to 120 FPS

4K resolution at 120 FPS strikes a balance between ultra-clear quality and smoother motion. It’s perfect for action-heavy shots where you need the flexibility to slow down fast-moving scenes, but still want the detail of 4K. Imagine filming a skateboarder or surfer—capturing the tricks or waves in slow motion gives you that immersive, dramatic feel while maintaining high-quality visuals. It’s also excellent for fast-paced cityscapes, like capturing a bustling market or a busy street.

Use case examples:

• 120 FPS for detailed slow-motion shots like skateboard tricks or surfing, where clarity and motion need to be captured.
• 60 FPS for slightly slower-paced action, like running or street scenes.
• 24/30 FPS for traditional 4K footage in general videography, such as interviews or scenic views.

2.7K – Up to 240 FPS

In 2.7K, you can push the frame rate up to 240 FPS, which is amazing for extreme slow-motion effects. This resolution offers a good compromise between high quality and smooth motion while being more forgiving on storage and processing power than 4K. It’s ideal for shots where you need to capture every detail of fast action, like a dog jumping into a pool or a close-up of an athlete mid-motion. This is where you can create ultra-slow-motion clips, slowing down time dramatically to focus on every movement.

Use case examples:

• 240 FPS for capturing things like splashing water, hair flying in the wind, or extreme sports like motocross where every motion is emphasized.
• 120 FPS for slightly faster motion but still allowing slow-motion effects, such as football or basketball games.

1080p – Up to 240 FPS

1080p at 240 FPS is the sweet spot for most users looking to capture fast motion without needing the storage space of 4K or 5.3K. For most action shots, this resolution and frame rate offer smooth playback with solid detail. Think of moments like a runner sprinting past, or a cyclist zooming by—using 240 FPS allows you to slow these moments down significantly without losing quality. It’s also great for underwater footage where slower motion reveals intricate movements, like fish swimming or bubbles rising to the surface.

Use case examples:

• 240 FPS for high-speed, fast-paced action like track and field events, or splashes in a pool during diving.
• 120 FPS for everyday action footage, like capturing kids playing sports or pets running in the yard.

720p – Up to 400 FPS

For the most dramatic slow motion, 720p at 400 FPS gives you the ability to stretch out time in extreme detail, but at a lower resolution. While you won’t get the sharpness of 1080p or 4K, this setting is perfect for showing extreme slow-motion action like a basketball dunk, a car speeding by, or even small, fast-moving objects like insects in flight. While 720p may not be ideal for everything, it excels when your focus is on capturing ultra-fast actions and slowing them down to a crawl.

Use case examples:

• 400 FPS for incredibly slow motion, like capturing the moment a balloon pops or the instant a firework explodes in mid-air.
• 240 FPS for capturing sports events or fast-action scenes that benefit from detailed slow-motion playback.

Final Tips

For regular footage where you don’t plan on adding slow-motion, 24 FPS is a solid choice. If you’re shooting fast-paced activities like snowboarding or skating, 60 or 120 FPS will give you smoother results, allowing you to slow the clips down later.

Keep an eye on file sizes too. Higher frame rates capture more frames per second, meaning larger files, which can be a headache when uploading or editing, especially if your equipment or internet speed isn’t top-tier. Consider this when planning your workflow, especially for YouTube.

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide helped you learn all about the GoPro Hero 13 FPS (frame rate settings) 🙂

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